Derragarra Inn to reopen following total rebuild

The Derragarra Inn in Butlersbridge, will reopen for business on Tuesday, having been completely rebuilt following a fire at the landmark pub in late April.
Proprietor and head chef Fergus Murphy and his wife Susan will reopen the pub and restaurant ‘Murph’s Bistro’ with a staff of 22 – four more than were employed there just before the blaze.
Disaster struck on Saturday, April 23, as the Murphys were preparing for a family function. The landmark building's famous thatch caught fire, forcing the immediate evacuation and closure of the premises. It was the second fire in 60 years to hit the building.
Patrons will be pleased to learn that a new cart has been purchased – though the thatched roof is no more.
“We’re not ruling out ever putting the thatch on,” remarked Fergus, addressing the point. “It was a frightening episode for everybody,” he said of the old thatch catching fire.
“Nostalgia is one thing but safety comes first,” agreed Fergus, who added that there will be an option to perhaps thatch the front of the property once the extension is complete.
“We purposely put on a very small slate [on the roof] to make it more attractive,” he said.
Headed up by local architect Michael Fitzpatrick, the Murphys have totally rebuilt the premises and plan a further extension to house a function room, nine guestrooms and a roof garden next March.